The Eastern Cape MEC for Health, Ms. Ntando Kazi Capa, has announced that all provincial rescue teams have been placed on full standby as the province braces for severe weather conditions forecast by the South African Weather Service.
According to the latest advisory, damaging winds, heavy rainfall, and a strong cold front accompanied by disruptive snowfall are expected from the weekend through to Tuesday next week. These conditions may lead to reduced visibility, hazardous driving conditions, and potential closure of mountain passes—severely affecting access to remote areas.
In response, the Department of Health has activated its emergency preparedness measures to safeguard communities and ensure swift response where needed. These measures include:
All EMS and rescue teams, including 4×4 and specialised response units, placed on full standby across the province.
Coordination with Disaster Management teams to ensure a unified and rapid response to any weather-related emergencies.
EMS personnel instructed to practice extreme caution while driving in affected areas.
Monitoring of weather developments to allow for real-time adjustments to deployment plans.
MEC Capa has urged members of the public to exercise caution during this period and to follow all safety advisories.
> “The safety of our citizens is our priority. We have mobilised our teams to respond swiftly and effectively wherever help may be needed. We also appeal to the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay informed via official weather updates, and report emergencies without delay,” said MEC Capa.
The Department will continue to monitor the evolving situation closely and remains committed to protecting the health and safety of all Eastern Cape residents.
For emergencies, contact the EMS Call Centre at 112.